Emmeline. With Some Other Pieces.

Emmeline.

CHAPTER V.

--Conscience roused sat boldly on her throne,
Watched every thought--attacked the foe alone,
And, with envenomed sting, drew forth the inward groan.
Expedients failed that brought relief before;
In vain her alms gave comfort to the poor--
Give what she would--to her the comfort came no more.

CRABBE.

"I dwell too much on the evils of my
lot," said Emmeline to herself, one bright
summer morning, when a thousand sights
and sounds of joy breathed their influence
unnoticed into her soul. "I waste in
dreams, of that which never can return,
the spirits and the health which should
gladden De Clifford's home to him. I
have been too inactive. Employment
might divert my thoughts. It might beguile
them from those inexhaustible themes
of misery that haunt me for ever. If,
wretched as I am, I can contribute to the
good of others, should not this rouse me to
something like energy and hope? Friendship
and equality I must look for no more;
but gratitude may draw some kindly feeling
towards me. Those whom I benefit
will surely forgive. I am surrounded by
the poor, the ignorant, the destitute; and
have I forgotten their wants so long? Alas!
misery has changed me sadly."

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Emmeline did not dare to look her last.
She sat motionless and stunned. The noise
of a carriage was heard. She gave one
start of agony--then listened in the stillness
of despair. The sound died in the
distance. It was lost--and Emmeline was
left ALONE.

This presentation of Emmeline. With Some Other Pieces., by Mary Brunton
is Copyright 2003 by P.J. LaBrocca.
It may not be copied, duplicated,
stored or transmitted in any form without written permission.
The text is in the public domain.